 | It is beyond the scope of this Blog to list all medications used in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, however I have provided links to some of the best resource sites on the web. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bipolar.About.com
Medications A-Z Bipolar Medications Library:
Links to information on some of the most commonly prescribed medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Drug therapy is an important component of treatment for manic depression, and it is important to educate yourself about your meds.
If your medication does not have an individual listing, you may still be able to find its side effects in our Side Effects Library
And - Medications for Bipolar Disorder
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: HelpGuide.org - Bipolar Medication Guide The role of medication in bipolar disorder treatment.
Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder
Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers. Originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy, they have been shown to relieve the symptoms of mania and reduce mood swings.
Valproic acid (Depakote)
Valproic acid, also known as divalproex or valproate, is a highly-effective mood stabilizer. Common brand names include Depakote and Depakene. Valproic acid is often the first choice for rapid cycling, mixed mania, or mania with hallucinations or delusions. It is a good bipolar medication option if you can’t tolerate the side effects of lithium.
Common side effects include:
drowsiness
weight gain
dizziness
tremor
diarrhea
nausea
Other anticonvulsant medications for bipolar disorder
Other anticonvulsants that can be used as mood stabilizers include:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Natural mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder
There are many things you can do to stabilize your mood. The way you live your life is just as important, if not more so, than the medication you take. Making healthy choices for yourself can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Read: Bipolar Support and Self-Help: Living and Coping with Bipolar Disorder.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bipolar Disorder Magazine - Bipolar Disorder Indepth
Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person's mood can alternate between the "poles," mania (highs) and depression (lows). The change in mood can last for hours, days, weeks or months.
What bipolar is not?
Bipolar disorder is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness.
Community Support
Resources
Symptoms
Bipolar History
What is Bipolar?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bipolar Resources in the English Speaking World:
Africa:
South Africa Bipolar Site.co.za
South African Depression & Anxiety Group.co.za
New World Support Groups.co.za
Pendulum.org
Australia:
Bipolar.com.au
Black Dog Institute.org.au
Reach Out.com.au
Beyond Blue.org.au
Pendulum.org
Canada:
Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder.ca
Pendulum.org
Bipolar About.com
Bipolar Hope Canada.ca
Kids Mental Health.ca
Ireland:
Bipolar Ireland.com
Reach Out.com.ie
Irish Health.com
Pendulum.org
NewZealand:
Head Space.org.nz
mental Health.org.nz
Bipolar Support Canterbury.org.nz
Pendulum.org
United Kingdom:
Bipolar Aware.co.uk
The Bipolar Organisation.co.uk
NHS Bipolar-Disorder.co.uk
Bipolar Foundation.org
Bipolar Scotland.org.uk
Mind.org.uk
MDF Wales.org.uk
Pendulum.org
United States of America:
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance.org
Psych Central.com
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness.org
Bipolar About.com
Pendulum.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This page will be updated as time permits, I welcome any suggestions for on med's information to be posted here.